the least complacent.

After her sumptuous meal, she was informed that a member of her private
train had come to Tanis from Memphis, ten days agone, in a state of great
concern and had awaited all that time in the palace till she should
arrive. Now that she had come, the servitor insisted on seeing the
princess and would not be denied. Troubled and wondering, Masanath
ordered that he be brought. In a few minutes, Pepi stood before her.
The taciturn servant was visibly frightened.

"Pepi!" she cried. "What brings thee here?"

"I have lost the Israelite," he faltered.

"Thou hast lost Rachel!"

"Hear me, my Lady, I pray thee. Thou knowest we were to stop at the
Marsh of the Discontented Soul to leave a writing on the tomb for the son
of Mentu. So we did. The Israelite bade me stand away from the shore
lest we be seen. I put out into midstream and while mine eyes were
attracted for a space toward the other shore, a boat drew up at the
Marsh. I started to return, but before I could reach the place, the
Israelite--the man--they were in--each other's arms."

Masanath clasped her hands happily, but the servant went on, in haste.
"It was the son of Mentu, I know, my Lady. He was wondrous tall, and the
Israelite was glad to see him--"

"O, of a surety it was Kenkenes," Masanath interrupted eagerly.

"Nay, but hear me, my Lady," the serving-man protested, his distress
evident in his voice. "I moved away and turned my back, for I knew they
had no need of me. Once, twice, I looked and still they talked together.
But, alas! the third time I looked, it was because I heard sounds of
combat, and I saw that the son of Mentu and several men were fighting.
One, whom by his fat figure I took to be Unas, was pursuing the
Israelite. I would have returned to help her, but the dreadful night
overtook me before I could reach her--and as thou knowest,--none moved
thereafter.

"When the darkness lifted, I was off the wharves at On, where my boat had
drifted. I halted only long enough to feed, for I was famished, and with
all haste I returned to the Marsh. None was there. I went to the house
in Memphis, but it was dark and closed. Next I visited the home of Mentu
and asked if Rachel were there, but the old housekeeper had never heard
of such a maiden. But when I asked if the young master had returned, she
asked me where I had been that I had not heard he was dead. And having
said, she shut the door in my face. I think